Exclusive Buyer

than with first-time buyers — but these cases are generally considered the exception rather than the rule. FSBO (For Sale By Owner) situations can work out to your benefit, but it’s highly recommended to avoid the potential risks and pitfalls and hire an agent. Sure, there’s a commission fee involved, but you’ll save yourself a lot of stress, time, and energy with an agent — plus, there’s a good chance your agent will be able to find you an even better home than you were hoping for, at an even better deal, essentially negating the commission fee. Real estate agents know the ins and out of the housing market and can help you find a home that you would never have found on your own. They can also advise against certain properties that don’t meet your criteria or fail certain home inspections, negotiate on your behalf, and help with the sometimes- complicated closing process. Note: Don’t just hire the first buyer’s agent whose advertisement you see online or on a bench, or the first one your friend recommended. Do your due diligence to make sure you hire someone experienced, qualified, professional, and knowledgeable. STEP 8: MAKE AN OFFER Once you’ve found the home that you and your agent are sure is the one — it falls within your price range, it’s in the right area and neighborhood, it meets all your needs criteria and maybe most of your wants, it’s been thoroughly inspected and examined — it’s time to make an offer. This is the first step to actually purchasing a specific property. “Making an offer” essentially means proposing a price to buy the property, and depending on the seller, the listing agent, your own agent, and the current housing market, that proposal could be equal to, less than, or more than the asking